Guide to Clark Atlanta University

Atlanta University Center (AUC), the world’s oldest and largest consortium of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), is located in Atlanta. The four-member institutions are Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College and Morehouse School of Medicine. Clark Atlanta University was founded as Atlanta University in 1865, before merging with Clark College to become Clark Atlanta University in 1988. 

A Day at Clark Atlanta University

A typical day at Clark Atlanta University might begin with a brisk walk on the Promenade, a thoroughfare that was created during the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. It runs from Greensferry Road to Atlanta Student Boulevard and connects the four AUC schools.  

Among the things to do along the Promenade are stopping by The Hill Social to enjoy an order of wings or browsing goods for sale on Market Thursdays. Between noon and 3 p.m., the Promenade is filled with products from Black-owned businesses. Frequently, a DJ is on hand to provide the soundtrack to this shopping trip.   

Wednesdays at Clark Atlanta are known as Well-Dressed Wednesdays, so students are urged to leave their casual clothes in the dorm and show off their business professional attire while highlighting the distinctiveness of African American fashion. Wednesday also is known as Fried Chicken Wednesday in the cafe. The menu features fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens and cornbread. 

During football season, the CAU Panther Stadium is filled with screaming fans dressed in red or black. There always is a vibrant performance by the Might Marching Panthers and a dance routine by the Essence Dance Line. 

The Campus Store is stocked with school supplies, textbooks, snacks, a few beauty supply store products and a wide selection of campus apparel and accessories. 

Looking for things to do off campus? Check out Things to Do Near Atlanta University Center.